Dubai: The Ministry of Health and Prevention has asked pharmacies across the UAE to withdraw a batch of a particular medical device and a medicine that could possibly endanger the health of residents, according to Dr Ameen Hussain Al Amiri, assistant undersecretary for public health policy and licences and chairman of the UAE’s higher pharmacovigilance committee.

The circular issued by the health ministry has been sent to the directors of medical districts, government and private hospitals, doctors, pharmacists and assistant pharmacists to withdraw the sale and use of No Nexcare Family Set with batch number 201809LT manufactured by 3M Gulf Ltd following a notice given by the manufacturer. This device which is used for covering and protection of small injuries and wounds has been withdrawn due to typographical errors in labelling of the batch. The correct batch number is 09LT9 201 and it expires in September 2018, according to the Health Ministry circular.

The second circular refers to the withdrawal of one consignment of Miacin 500mg/2ml IV/IM ampoules with the batch number D041, manufactured by Hikma Pharmaceuticals, after an analysis by the Quality Control and Research Department at the ministry found visible suspended particles in the injection ampoules. This medicine is used for treatment of bacterial infections and the batch that is withdrawn expires in June 2018, said the ministry circular.

Dr Al Amiri noted that the products were registered at the ministry’s Drug Department, adding that authorised agents of the medical device and the pharmaceutical product were informed to recall them from the UAE markets. He further advised that all health-care practitioners and patients should not use the above-mentioned medical products. Dr Al Amiri reiterated that all other batches of the said medical device and medicine are safe for use and residents have also been advised of alternatives for emergency use.

He further explained that the products’ distributors will report to the Ministry of Health and Prevention the progress of the recall process and the quantities taken out from the market to ensure that it is completed as soon as possible. He also called on the two manufacturers to provide alternative supplies to avoid a shortage of products.

Residents have been advised to inform the Health Ministry of any drug reaction occurring in a patient who may have used the device or medicine from the withdrawn batch by filling up the Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) form available at http://www.cpd-pharma.ae, or contacting the following: Phone: 02-3201448, Fax: 02-3201947, or email: pv@moh.gov.ae